CHILD
CUSTODY
East Greenwich Child Custody Attorney
East Greenwich Child Custody Attorney
At the law office of Kerry I. Rafanelli, we consider your child’s well being a priority during your divorce. We will help you find ways to give your children the support they need while minimizing the upheaval that divorce can have on their lives.
East Greenwich child custody attorney Kerry Rafanelli has been guiding parents through divorce for more than 30 years. His dedication to and advocacy on behalf of children has earned him recognition in the Rhode Island legal community and Rhode Island Monthly magazine highlighted Kerry’s work as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for children.
In Kerry’s experience, the use of mediation to arrive at a child custody decision can greatly reduce the amount of conflict and stress parents feel when making delicate and difficult decisions. Whenever possible, consider this option.
But mediation only works if both parties agree to participate. If one party is hostile and uncooperative, then your case will likely need to go to court. Attorney Rafanelli is a zealous advocate in trial. He will work hard to protect your interests and your relationship with your child.
Physical and legal custody
Parents usually share custody, which means both parents will jointly make important decisions about their child’s life. Joint custody works well for parents who can cooperate with each other (or who commit to learning how to cooperate better).
Physical custody is the term to describe where the child will live after the divorce. The “custodial” parent has the child more of the time; the “noncustodial” parent is usually granted visitation and pays child support to the custodial parent.
Anytime children will be moving back and forth between parental homes it’s wise to have a parenting plan that details the schedule, duties and responsibilities of each parent. Learn more about what to include in your Rhode Island parenting plan.
Best interests of the child
Rhode Island courts make child custody decisions based on what is in the best interest of the children. Factors the judge will consider include:
- The wishes of the parents
- Preference of the child
- Relationship of the child with each parent and the ability of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent
- The child's overall environment
- The mental, physical and moral fitness of each parent
Learn more about the factors a judge will consider in a Rhode Island child custody case.
Rhode Island child support lawyer protecting your parental rights
Consult an experienced Rhode Island child support lawyer who can advise you about your child custody rights. Call Kerry Rafanelli at 401-398-8388 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Providence family law attorney
Kerry I. Rafanelli
Contact Us
Kerry Rafanelli,
Attorney At Law
OUR ADDRESS:
Kerry I Rafanelli, Attorney at Law
670 Main Street, Suite C-4
East Greenwich, RI 02818
PHONE NO.
401-398-8388
FAX NO.
401-398-8399
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all questions
Frequently
Asked Questions
Consult an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney for answers to your questions. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law, at 401-398-8388 or contact us online to schedule your consultation at our East Greenwich law office.
Should I retain a lawyer if my fiancé's attorney has already drawn up a prenuptial agreement?
Both parties to a prenuptial agreement should be represented so that you can feel confident that the contract is fair to you.
Am I considered the parent once my adoption of a child is finalized?
At the completion of your adoption, you acquire all the rights and responsibilities of a parent–including making important childrearing decisions and providing your child with financial support. Your child gains all the rights as your natural children would have involving inheritance, immigration, government benefits and healthcare coverage.
Am I entitled to visitation rights as soon as I affirm my paternity of my child?
In most cases, you are entitled to visitation with your child, but you must file a petition with the court requesting visitation.
Am I entitled to child support as soon as the father's paternity is positively affirmed?
You are entitled to financial support from the father, but you must file a petition with the court requesting child support. You may be entitled to support from previous years as well.
What is the difference between guardianship and adoption?
Adoptive parents acquire all the rights of natural parents. Guardians have legal and physical custody, but are not considered the parents of the child and must periodically appear before the court to give updates on the child’s status. In some cases, the birth parents may retain their parental rights.
Is my former spouse permitted to move my child to another state?
A custodial parent must petition the court to relocate with your child to another state. You can object to the move and present evidence at a court hearing.
What does the court consider in relocation cases?
The court considers what is in the best interest of your child — including financial advantages of the move, educational opportunities, the existence of extended family in both locations, the nature of the child’s relationship with each parent, and the logistics of visitation with the noncustodial parent.
How can I learn more about family law?
Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation and get the answers to all of your family law questions.